Janyne Fletcher Photographer

09/09/2026

Yesterday I gave a talk to some of the older citizens of Cromwell about my photography journey, using a collection of old cameras to tell the story of how photography has changed during our lifetimes. It went really well and they were a wonderfully open minded and engaged audience. But I came away with a pretty cool reminder about photography, and why we take photographs in the first place. I have written a little about it in my latest blog here - https://www.janynefletchershop.co.nz/blogs/news/a-little-magic-in-cromwell

19/08/2026

I have just completed the survey asking what we want for the future of Ranfurly (as part drafting a new Ranfurly and districts community plan), and it has made me think quite a bit about what matters to me about this place. I love the quiet pace of life here. I love the space, the sense of community and the fact that things do not have to happen at a frantic pace. I certainly don't want us to lose those things. But I also think we need to be careful that “we do not want change” does not become an excuse for simply standing still. There is a real danger that, without thoughtful development and new ideas, our businesses, facilities and services gradually decline. I am excited about the possibility of being aspirational about Ranfurly — having big ideas for the benefit of the whole community, listening to those ideas and finding ways to work together to make some of them happen. And as our community changes, I think being genuinely inclusive is going to be increasingly important. I would love Ranfurly to be a place where people can arrive, feel welcome and find their own way to contribute — regardless of their age, background, interests or ideas. We have shown before what this community can achieve when we get behind something.
So I think this survey is worth doing. Not because any one answer will determine our future, but because it gives us an opportunity to think beyond what we do not like and talk about what we do want. If you live here, or have a strong connection to Ranfurly, I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey here https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz/ranfurly-community-plan-2026-27

16/08/2026

I know I have definitely been a little more chatty than usual lately, but I could not hold this one back much longer! Late last week I woke to my phone buzzing with messages of congratulations. I knew the Australian Photographic Prize awards ceremony was happening, but the time difference, along with a busy week, had me in bed a little earlier than usual, so I missed it.

A marvellous surprise followed. I came away with category wins for International Aerial Photographer, International Creative Landscape Photographer and International Landscape Photographer, as well as the overall International Winner of the Landscape Division. I was surprised, thrilled and, honestly, incredibly grateful. The standard of work this year was exceptionally high, which makes these results feel even more special. Thank you to the Australian Photographic Prize organisers, my family and the photographer friends who continue to support and encourage me. And congratulations to all my Australian photographer friends who did so well, and to all the other Kiwi winners.

15/08/2026

I wanted to share one of the first pieces from a new body of work that I presented at the recent Iris Awards. I seem to be becoming more and more interested in things that are easily overlooked. I am not quite sure where this thinking is going yet, but this image is definitely part of it.

I completely lost myself making this multiple exposure of lichens growing on an old, disused tennis court in the Maniototo.
Tennis was once a very popular sport here, with local players being highly competitive. These days, a number of the old courts are no longer used, or are used much less frequently. I have photographed some of these in my past work and I think I have always been interested in the traces that are left behind.

For this piece I used an old cake tin, turned upside down on a piece of white card, as my "frame". The white card meant I could keep some of the delicate lichens around the edge of the frame.
There was a lot of thought, and quite a bit of time spent in very cold conditions, arranging the lichens within the frame. I really enjoyed finding an arrangement that was pleasing to my eye. To me it looks a little like a flower garden, or perhaps my version of a night sky. I am not much of an astrophotographer, so this might be as close as I get!

The image received a Silver Distinction at the Iris Awards and it absolutely sings when it is printed. I still need to decide on a name and how I want to frame it, but I am looking forward to giving a copy to my daughter and her lovely partner as a housewarming present.

13/08/2026

During her recent awards acceptance speech, my Australian friend Mieke Boynton took the plunge, broke out some te reo Māori and used the word whānau to describe the real sense of family and fellowship we have within NZIPP - the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography. This was a really memorable and emotional moment for me and brought home just how important both my actual family and my adopted NZIPP whānau have become to me. Back at home, Deane has supported me through this journey from the very beginning and on the ground at the recent awards night, my daughter Zoe was my amazing support crew.

Yes, I was a finalist in the Landscape category, but I was also definitely celebrating a great win for my good friend Mike Langford. He, along with many of my other friends, had very well deserved wins for beautiful and highly innovative photography.
It really brought home something I have been thinking about a lot lately - we do not make things in isolation. We are shaped by people, places, encouragement, friendship and belonging.

I do not often enjoy posting pictures of myself, but I love this one of me in my happy place – judging at the Iris Awards. A big thank you to Doug Richardson, our NZIPP event photographer extraordinaire, for capturing it.

07/08/2026

I am very privileged to be in such good company for this award 😍

31/07/2026

Heading to Christchurch for the NZIPP Iris awards and conference and to spend time with family. Central Otago gave me a beautiful send off with a wee skiff of snow!

30/07/2026

Check this out - my friends at NZIPP are running free educational sessions for aspiring photographers. There are actually a bunch of different sessions but bookings are essential. Learn more here https://nzphotoshow.co.nz/photo-connect/

Introducing Photo Connect - FREE educational sessions for aspiring photographers this August!

Learn the basics of Photoshop, with Multi Award Winning photographer Emma Steel! Emma Steel Photography

WHEN:Tuesday 4 August 2026
TIME: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City

Want to learn how to edit your photos in Photoshop but don’t know where to start?

Join Emma Steel for this beginner-friendly introduction to Photoshop, designed for photographers who are new to the software and want to understand the fundamentals of photo editing.

In this hands-on session, Emma will guide you through the basic tools and techniques used to enhance images, improve exposure and colour, make simple adjustments, and build confidence navigating Photoshop’s workspace. You’ll gain practical skills that you can immediately apply to your own photography.

This session is ideal for photography enthusiasts, hobbyists, and anyone wanting to take the next step in their editing journey.

What to bring:

Your own laptop with Photoshop installed (recommended so you can follow along)
Or a notebook and pen if you would prefer to take notes

Cost: Free

Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Book your session now: https://nzphotoshow.co.nz/product/introduction-to-photoshop-with-emma-steel/

30/07/2026

Over the winter months I have been reflecting on twenty years of making a life through photography and asking myself a simple question: what kind of artist and person do I want to become?
The answers were not dramatic. If anything, they have helped me become more comfortable with quietly being myself. Paying closer attention, making space for curiosity, and allowing creativity to become part of everyday life rather than something reserved for when I have a camera in hand. I have written a few thoughts about that journey on my website if you would like to read more (https://www.janynefletchershop.co.nz/blogs/thoughts/twenty-years-in-still-exploring).
And yes... those are my old woollen slippers in the photograph. They appeared quite unintentionally while I was experimenting with a new multiple exposure technique. Looking at the photograph now, I think they belong there.

02/07/2026

Matariki is a time to pause, reflect, reconnect and look ahead. If you're out exploring Central Otago over the long weekend, I would love to welcome you into my gallery. My work is inspired by the quiet beauty, light and stories of the Maniototo landscape. Whether you're simply curious, looking for a special piece for your home, or just feel like slowing down for a while, you're very welcome to stop in. I will be open Friday 10 – Sunday 12 July - 10.30am – 2.30pm each day. Take some time to reflect, connect and enjoy the beauty of this special place. I look forward to seeing you